Popular food influencer Michael Duarte, known as “FoodWithBearHands,” passes away at 36

A popular California-based food influencer has passed away at 36 in a “horrible accident” just days following his wedding anniversary while traveling with his family in Texas, his relatives confirmed.

Remembering Michael Duarte

Michael Duarte, who surpassed more than 2 million followers online under the handle “FoodWithBearHands,” was commemorated by his talent agency in an Instagram post on Sunday.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte,” Alooma Media Group cited in the post.

“He was a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person. His passion, professionalism, and creativity left a lasting mark not only on our team but on everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” the statement stated.

Duarte, originally from Calipatria, California, near the Mexican border, regularly posted cooking clips and recipes emphasizing his BBQ and grilling creations in Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

He is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their 6-year-old daughter, Oakley.

His death on November 8 happened just three days after he and Jessica celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary, according to a GoFundMe made to support Duarte’s family.

“We ask that you lift Michael’s family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time. This heartbreak came without warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses,” the GoFundMe read.

Cause of Death

The exact circumstances and reason of Duarte’s death have not yet been disclosed.

FAQs:

1. Who was Michael Duarte?
Michael Duarte was a famous California-based food influencer. He was familiar online as “FoodWithBearHands.”

2. How old was he when he passed away?
He was 36 years old at the time of his death.